Courtesy of World Star Hip Hop.

I recently read an article declaring 2014 as one of the worst years for rap ever. It is not surprising fans felt this way coming on the heels of a red hot year for hip hop in 2013. JAY Z, Eminem, and Kanye all dropped albums last year; not to mention solid projects from Wale, J.Cole, and Chance the Rapper. It would be hard for 2014 to compete with such fanfare but was it really one of the worst years ever? I have mixed feelings. 

In terms of top 40 hip hop and major hip hop singles; yes. The radios this year was plagued with beat heavy, lyrically light singles. Tracks like Show Me by Kid Ink, Fancy and Black Widow by Iggy Azalea, and Anaconda by Nicki Minaj come to mind when I think about everything that is wrong with the commercial hip hop industry. These songs not only lack substance but lack even an attempt at it, instead opting for a formulaic process of bringing in a pop star to sing a meaningless hook, and rapping bland lyrics about sex or alcohol over a catchy beat. I have nothing against club music, actually I love it, but when a rap songs lyrics are just the interlude between hooks I have a hard time even considering it rap.

Okay so dialing my anger towards meaningless lyrics back, why then do I not entirely agree that 2014 was a terrible year for hip hop? It‰’s pretty simple really; a lot of solid projects dropped in 2014 and this December is scheduled to be jam packed with amazing albums. But I‰’m not going to get ahead of myself, instead I‰’ll name my five best projects of 2014 and you can decide if they are enough to save the hip hop year for everyone, Iggy included.

1.  Isaiah Rashad, Cilvia Demo [released January 28, 2014]

Isaiah Rashad is the newest rapper signed to the California-based record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. With all that talent and experience around Rashad, the young Tennessee rapper never comes across intimidated or inexperienced in his debut album. In fact, Isaiah raps like a veteran, weaving the story of his life using a laid back flow, complimented by concise, poetic hooks. Rashad eloquently highlights injustices within his community and society, with an easy yet similarly heartbreaking delivery. Highlights of the album include “Ronnie Drake” and “Shot You Down”.

2. ScHoolboy Q, Oxymoron [released February 25, 2014]

ScHoolboy is one of only two rappers to have his album go number one in the country this year and he does it with an album that is an ode to his South Central upbringing and gangbanging past. ScHoolboy labels himself as a gangsta rapper but, with all due respect to Q, his style is so much more. Combining elements of gangsta rap, as well as drug and socially conscious rap he is able to create an amazing blend of sounds that manifests into a cohesive project. Check out tracks like “Studio”, “Break the Bank” and “Prescription/Oxymoron” to see what I mean and get a feel for what is a fantastic break out album for Q.

3. YG, My Krazy Life [released March 18, 2014]

Straight out of Compton, YG is somewhat of a throwback to classic West Coast rap. A Pyro-Blood gang member, YG‰’s gangsta music drips authenticity in a way has been hard pressed to find in the hip hop world lately. Additionally YG is a friend and the original collaborator of DJ Mustard, hip hop‰’s hottest producer as of 2014. Together the two were able to make club bangers that were also original and unique to YG‰’s style. Songs off the album like “Left, Right” and “My Nigga” are great examples that prove singles can be both commercially successful as well as diverge from the ‰hit record‰’ format.

4. Logic, Under Pressure [released October 21, 2014]

Under Pressure is Logic‰’s debut album and like so many great rappers first album it is essentially the story of his life thus far. Logic is from Gaithersburg, right outside of DC, but raps with a decidedly east coast style typical of New York rappers. Indeed, Logic is clearly a student of hip hop; well aware of different techniques and stylistic options he has to work with. This knowledge in addition to the lyrical content and flow he possesses results in a magnificently vintage sounding project that will leave fans still reminiscing about the ‰90s very happy. Logic‰’s story, told mixing metaphor and directness sucks the listener in for all 15 tracks. Favorites for imagery and storytelling are “Buried Alive” and “Gang Related”.

5. Big K.R.I.T., Cadillactica [released November 10, 2014]

Big K.R.I.T. is a conscious rapper from the South and constantly pays homage to his roots throughout Cadillactica. K.R.I.T. has been on the rap scene for a long time, having released five projects prior to this album none achieving large commercial success although almost all were met with critical acclaim. Big K.R.I.T. allows this chip on his shoulder to fuel his creation that has resulted in a fiery final product. The album combines Southern beats and an east coast flow, creating insightful and passionate music. This is clearly felt on tracks like “My Sub Pt. 3” and “Mt. Olympus”.